Panasonic’s Hospi-Rimo robot tends to patients

Robots are playing increasingly important roles in surgery, but what about post-op care? Panasonic has developed a robot with telepresence functions can help bedridden patients communicate with loved ones, and upgraded its robot bed and hair-washer.

Hospi-Rimo is a communications robot aimed at helping patients chat with their doctors when they’re not around–or talk with distant friends and family.

Based on the electronics giant’s Hospi drug-delivery bot, Hospi-Rimo can be remote-controlled or move around autonomously. It can automatically move to specified locations, avoiding obstacles en route.

The machine has a large screen (naturally with a happy face) and sensors to learn about its environment. Panasonic says it could be used in hospitals (like its precursor Hospi) or residences where elderly people live alone.